The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library has multiple areas for entertainment. There are individual rooms for certain readers like kids, young adults and adults, along with meeting rooms.

With a lot to offer like books, music, movies and events, it can be hard to know everything that is offered at the library. One helpful tool at TSCPL is the DVD dispenser.

“One of the things I like about the public library is that it’s free,” said Shannon Eddings, database administrator.

People can go to the library to check out great movies for free. That’s one of the benefits about TSCPL. The dispenser is similar to Redbox because of its self-service type of model. Anyone can go online, pick out a movie and put it on hold. Just stop by the library within the first four hours of holding to pick up and keep it for three days. Customers don’t have to order it from home, though. They can come in and look through an online catalog and pick the movie they want.

The dispenser has both DVDS and video games, but Blu-Rays are not included. Popular movies include “After Earth” (starring Will Smith), “Courageous”, “The Avengers” and more. The movies are organized into their own categories like comedy, drama, adventure and horror. Guests can also check out new movies and games by clicking on the new category.

The DVD dispenser can be found in the movie/music room across the hall from the children’s books at the back. Workers at the desk are happy to assist if help is needed.

Nathan Pauley, the library’s web developer, says that the machine has been popular among visitors.

“It’s a lot easier than going through and looking at all the movies in here” said Tammera Bartley, a consumer.

Her family visits the library every three days to pick out movies both from the DVD dispenser and those on the rack.

“It beats paying cable,” said Bartley.

Only two items can be checked out from the machine at one time. Due dates for movies are three days, but video games are 14 days. The dispenser will show the date for when the items are due back. Depending on what item is chosen, a late fee of $1 or more per day will apply if not returned by the due date.

A library card and PIN number are required to check out at the DVD dispenser. If in need of a library card, the check-out desk near the front of the building can assist in setting up a card for future visits.

“The idea that all of these — books, music, movies work with others to do homework. It’s a meeting place for the community, that’s what make libraries cool,” said Pauley.

The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m, Monday- Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.